Disney is exploring the addition of a free streaming tier to Disney+, allowing some content to be accessed without a paid subscription, according to multiple sources [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The possibility was raised by Adam Smith, Disney’s chief product and technology officer, during a company streaming town hall held on July 9, 2026. A Business Insider source said Smith “spoke about enabling free-tier content” during the meeting, calling it part of “an ongoing discussion about concepts to better serve fans” [4].
Currently, Disney+ offers monthly subscription plans at $11.99 with ads and $18.99 without ads. Bundles combining Disney+ and Hulu start at $12.99 with ads and $19.99 without [1, 4, 5]. However, no timeline or specifics on what content the free tier might include have been disclosed [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The move comes against a backdrop of rising competition from free streaming services like YouTube, Tubi, and The Roku Channel, which together accounted for 18.7% of U.S. TV watch time in April 2026, up from 12.7% two years earlier [3, 4]. Some competitors, including Apple TV+ and Paramount+, allow limited free access to select episodes but do not offer a fully free tier [3, 4, 5].
Disney has also been experimenting with new content formats on Disney+, including vertical video, short form content, podcasts, and micro dramas, aiming to boost viewer engagement [2, 4, 5]. These experiments may complement the company’s broader content strategy should the free tier be launched.
The details of the free tier remain unclear as Disney continues exploring options amid intensifying market pressure. The company has not announced when or if the free streaming tier will be introduced [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
